The Emptiness of Pleasure

I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure;(A) enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile. I said about laughter,(B) “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” I explored with my mind the pull of wine(C) on my body—my mind still guiding me with wisdom—and how to grasp folly,(D) until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven[a] during the few days of their lives.(E)

Read full chapter

Notas al pie

  1. 2:3 Two Hb mss, LXX, Syr read the sun

A Testimony to Self-Indulgence

I told myself, “I will test you with pleasure, so enjoy yourself.” But this was pointless. “Senseless,” said I concerning laughter and pleasure, “How practical is this?” I decided to indulge in wine, while still remaining committed to wisdom. I also tried to indulge in foolishness, just enough to determine whether it was good for human beings under heaven given the short time of their lives.

Read full chapter